{"id":2042,"date":"2025-09-02T10:04:09","date_gmt":"2025-09-02T10:04:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/?p=2042"},"modified":"2025-09-02T13:47:16","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T13:47:16","slug":"medical-malpractice-laws","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/","title":{"rendered":"Medical Malpractice and Liability Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Plain talk first.<\/strong> Medical care involves risk. Most outcomes are good. Some are not. When harm happens because care fell below accepted standards, it may be <strong>medical malpractice<\/strong>. This article explains how malpractice works in T\u00fcrkiye, what is specific to <strong>Istanbul<\/strong>, which courts hear these cases, what deadlines apply, how insurance works, and what a patient can do, step by step. The aim is simple language and recent, practical information.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_76 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#What_counts_as_medical_malpractice\" >What counts as medical malpractice?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#Malpractice_vs_complication\" >Malpractice vs. complication<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#Four_building_blocks_of_a_claim\" >Four building blocks of a claim<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#The_legal_framework_as_of_2025\" >The legal framework (as of 2025)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#Where_do_you_file_in_Istanbul\" >Where do you file in Istanbul?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#Private_hospitals_and_private_doctors\" >Private hospitals and private doctors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#Public_hospitals_and_university_hospitals\" >Public hospitals and university hospitals<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#Criminal_route\" >Criminal route<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#What_happens_before_a_lawsuit\" >What happens before a lawsuit?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#Mandatory_mediation_for_compensation_claims\" >Mandatory mediation for compensation claims<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#Pre-application_for_public_hospital_cases\" >Pre-application for public hospital cases<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#Deadlines_limitation_periods\" >Deadlines (limitation periods)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#Private_providers_civil_courts\" >Private providers (civil courts)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#Public_providers_administrative_courts\" >Public providers (administrative courts)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#Criminal_law_overlay\" >Criminal law overlay<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#Evidence_how_Istanbul_courts_decide\" >Evidence: how Istanbul courts decide<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#Expert_reports_drive_outcomes\" >Expert reports drive outcomes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#Medical_records_and_consent_forms\" >Medical records and consent forms<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#Tip_for_international_patients\" >Tip for international patients<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#What_damages_can_you_claim\" >What damages can you claim?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#Insurance_who_pays_and_how_much\" >Insurance: who pays and how much?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#Criminal_aspects_when_does_it_cross_the_line\" >Criminal aspects: when does it cross the line?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#Public-sector_recourse_rules_what_changed_recently\" >Public-sector recourse rules (what changed recently)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#Istanbul_specifics_you_should_know\" >Istanbul specifics you should know<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#Step-by-step_if_you_think_you_suffered_malpractice_in_Istanbul\" >Step-by-step if you think you suffered malpractice in Istanbul<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#What_makes_or_breaks_a_case\" >What makes or breaks a case<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#Frequently_asked_quick_answers\" >Frequently asked quick answers<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#Do_I_have_to_mediate_before_suing_in_Istanbul\" >Do I have to mediate before suing in Istanbul?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#How_long_does_a_case_take\" >How long does a case take?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#Will_insurance_actually_pay\" >Will insurance actually pay?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#Final_notes\" >Final notes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/medical-malpractice-laws\/#References\" >References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_counts_as_medical_malpractice\"><\/span>What counts as medical malpractice?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Doctors and hospitals must act with care, skill, and attention to medical science. In Turkish practice, courts and medical experts compare what happened to the accepted standard for that field and moment in time. If a doctor or clinic <em>deviates<\/em> from that standard and the patient suffers harm as a result, liability can arise.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2054\" src=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/medical-malpractice-and-liability-laws-istanbul-turkey.jpg\" alt=\"medical malpractice and liability laws istanbul turkey\" width=\"1050\" height=\"750\" srcset=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/medical-malpractice-and-liability-laws-istanbul-turkey.jpg 1050w, https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/medical-malpractice-and-liability-laws-istanbul-turkey-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/medical-malpractice-and-liability-laws-istanbul-turkey-1024x731.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/medical-malpractice-and-liability-laws-istanbul-turkey-768x549.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1050px) 100vw, 1050px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Malpractice_vs_complication\"><\/span><strong>Malpractice vs. complication<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Not every bad result is malpractice. Some injuries are known complications that can occur even when the team follows the rules. A key part of any case is deciding which one it is. In T\u00fcrkiye, courts rely heavily on <strong>independent expert reports<\/strong> to make that call. These reports weigh records, imaging, labs, notes, and timelines. In Istanbul, the <strong>Council of Forensic Medicine (Adli T\u0131p Kurumu, \u201cATK\u201d)<\/strong> and university boards frequently provide these opinions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Four_building_blocks_of_a_claim\"><\/span><strong>Four building blocks of a claim<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Duty:<\/strong> a care relationship existed (hospital admission, clinic visit, surgery, etc.).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Breach:<\/strong> the care fell below accepted practice.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Causation:<\/strong> that breach led to the injury.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Damage:<\/strong> there is loss\u2014medical, financial, or non-pecuniary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_legal_framework_as_of_2025\"><\/span>The legal framework (as of 2025)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Several laws and rules shape malpractice in T\u00fcrkiye:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Turkish Code of Obligations (TCO) No. 6098<\/strong> governs civil liability and damages.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Turkish Penal Code (TPC) No. 5237<\/strong> addresses crimes like <em>negligent injury<\/em> and <em>negligent homicide<\/em> when conduct crosses into criminal territory.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fundamental Law on Healthcare Services No. 3359<\/strong> sets broad health-system rules and\u2014through later amendments\u2014procedures around public-sector recourse.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Patient Rights Regulation<\/strong> secures informed consent, access to records, and complaint routes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Compulsory Financial Liability Insurance for Medical Malpractice<\/strong> requires physicians to carry coverage; tariff limits are periodically updated.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mediation reforms (2023)<\/strong> added a mandatory mediation step before many civil compensation lawsuits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2050\" src=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/medical-malpractice-and-liability-laws-istanbul-turkey-4.jpg\" alt=\"medical malpractice and liability laws istanbul turkey (4)\" width=\"1050\" height=\"750\" srcset=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/medical-malpractice-and-liability-laws-istanbul-turkey-4.jpg 1050w, https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/medical-malpractice-and-liability-laws-istanbul-turkey-4-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/medical-malpractice-and-liability-laws-istanbul-turkey-4-1024x731.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/medical-malpractice-and-liability-laws-istanbul-turkey-4-768x549.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1050px) 100vw, 1050px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_do_you_file_in_Istanbul\"><\/span>Where do you file in Istanbul?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Private_hospitals_and_private_doctors\"><\/span><strong>Private hospitals and private doctors<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Claims against private providers are usually treated as <strong>consumer disputes<\/strong>. They are heard in <strong>Consumer Courts<\/strong> in Istanbul (e.g., Bak\u0131rk\u00f6y, \u00c7a\u011flayan, Anadolu courthouses depending on location and jurisdiction). If you sue an <strong>insurer<\/strong> (for example, the doctor\u2019s compulsory policy), the <strong>Commercial Court<\/strong> may be competent, because the defendant is an insurance company.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Public_hospitals_and_university_hospitals\"><\/span><strong>Public hospitals and university hospitals<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If the treatment took place in a public hospital, claims for compensation (pecuniary and non-pecuniary) are filed as <strong>full remedy actions<\/strong> in the <strong>Administrative Courts<\/strong>. Before suing, you must apply to the administration within the legal time window (details below). University hospitals can be public or private; the route follows the legal status of the institution at the time of treatment.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Criminal_route\"><\/span><strong>Criminal route<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In parallel with civil or administrative remedies, a patient or family may file a complaint with the <strong>Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor\u2019s Office<\/strong> if they believe a crime occurred (e.g., negligent injury or negligent homicide). Criminal and civil tracks can run side by side. Expert evidence is central in both.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happens_before_a_lawsuit\"><\/span>What happens before a lawsuit?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mandatory_mediation_for_compensation_claims\"><\/span><strong>Mandatory mediation for compensation claims<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Since <strong>1 September 2023<\/strong>, T\u00fcrkiye requires <strong>mediation<\/strong> before filing many money-related civil lawsuits, which typically includes medical compensation claims against private providers. Filing without mediation can lead to dismissal on procedural grounds. Mediation does not apply to criminal cases. For claims against public hospitals, the mandatory step is a written application to the administration (see below), not mediation.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pre-application_for_public_hospital_cases\"><\/span><strong>Pre-application for public hospital cases<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>For claims against the administration (public hospital), you must first <strong>apply to the relevant authority<\/strong> within the set time limit. If the administration rejects your application or does not answer within the statutory period, you then have a short window (commonly <strong>60 days<\/strong>) to file in the Administrative Court.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2051\" src=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/medical-malpractice-and-liability-laws-istanbul-turkey-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1050\" height=\"750\" srcset=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/medical-malpractice-and-liability-laws-istanbul-turkey-5.jpg 1050w, https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/medical-malpractice-and-liability-laws-istanbul-turkey-5-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/medical-malpractice-and-liability-laws-istanbul-turkey-5-1024x731.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/medical-malpractice-and-liability-laws-istanbul-turkey-5-768x549.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1050px) 100vw, 1050px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Deadlines_limitation_periods\"><\/span>Deadlines (limitation periods)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Limitation periods depend on the legal basis and the type of provider. Missing a deadline can end a claim, so note these <em>typical<\/em> time frames used by courts:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Private_providers_civil_courts\"><\/span><strong>Private providers (civil courts)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Tort-based claims:<\/strong> often <strong>2 years<\/strong> from learning of the harm and the liable party, with a <strong>10-year<\/strong> long-stop from the act.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Contract\/consumer claims:<\/strong> many courts apply a <strong>5-year<\/strong> period for health services provided under a contract, especially for private hospitals and private physicians.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Public_providers_administrative_courts\"><\/span><strong>Public providers (administrative courts)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Pre-application:<\/strong> typically within <strong>1 year<\/strong> from learning the damage and the actor.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Absolute limit:<\/strong> generally <strong>5 years<\/strong> from the act causing harm. After the application, you have about <strong>60 days<\/strong> to sue if the administration rejects or stays silent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Criminal_law_overlay\"><\/span><strong>Criminal law overlay<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If the alleged act amounts to a crime (e.g., negligent injury or negligent homicide), longer criminal limitation periods may apply to criminal prosecution, and civil claims tied to the offense can benefit from those longer periods. Always anchor your timeline to the exact facts and classification of your case.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Evidence_how_Istanbul_courts_decide\"><\/span>Evidence: how Istanbul courts decide<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Expert_reports_drive_outcomes\"><\/span><strong>Expert reports drive outcomes<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Turkish courts almost always appoint medical experts. In Istanbul, the <strong>Council of Forensic Medicine (ATK)<\/strong>\u2014headquartered in Bah\u00e7elievler\u2014and university faculty boards examine files and issue opinions on whether the standard of care was met and whether that caused the injury. Courts can also seek higher or specialized boards if reports conflict.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Medical_records_and_consent_forms\"><\/span><strong>Medical records and consent forms<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You have the right to <strong>access your medical records<\/strong> and obtain copies. Informed consent documents, anesthesia charts, nursing notes, lab results, and imaging timelines are crucial. Many reversals on appeal involve <strong>inadequate consent<\/strong> or missing documentation. If you were treated in Istanbul, request records from the hospital\u2019s <em>Patient Rights Unit<\/em> and download your data from the national <strong>e-Nab\u0131z<\/strong> portal if available.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tip_for_international_patients\"><\/span><strong>Tip for international patients<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>If you traveled for care, ask for records in both Turkish and English. The Ministry of Health\u2019s lines (including SAB\u0130M 184 and the International Patient Assistance Unit) can help you navigate requests and complaints, including language support.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2048\" src=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/medical-malpractice-and-liability-laws-istanbul-turkey-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1050\" height=\"750\" srcset=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/medical-malpractice-and-liability-laws-istanbul-turkey-2.jpg 1050w, https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/medical-malpractice-and-liability-laws-istanbul-turkey-2-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/medical-malpractice-and-liability-laws-istanbul-turkey-2-1024x731.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/medical-malpractice-and-liability-laws-istanbul-turkey-2-768x549.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1050px) 100vw, 1050px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_damages_can_you_claim\"><\/span>What damages can you claim?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Two broad categories exist:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Pecuniary (material):<\/strong> treatment costs, rehabilitation, travel and accommodation for follow-up, loss of earnings or loss of support, assistive devices, and future care.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Non-pecuniary (moral):<\/strong> pain and suffering, loss of life enjoyment, and\u2014where applicable\u2014family members\u2019 suffering in fatal cases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Courts tailor amounts to the facts. Expert actuaries may be appointed for loss-of-earnings calculations. Interest and court costs can be awarded separately.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Insurance_who_pays_and_how_much\"><\/span>Insurance: who pays and how much?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Physicians in T\u00fcrkiye carry <strong>Compulsory Financial Liability Insurance for Medical Malpractice<\/strong>. This policy typically covers claims arising from professional activity during the policy period and\u2014importantly\u2014<strong>provides retroactive protection<\/strong> going back years for acts within the insured\u2019s professional practice. Coverage includes defense costs and interest, within limits.<\/p>\n<p>Coverage limits are set in tariffs and can change. A recent Official Gazette update (August 2025) raised overall caps, with an aggregate ceiling per policy period. Individual per-event limits apply by risk group and are listed in the tariff table. Hospitals often carry separate institutional policies. Where both the doctor and the hospital are liable, claims can proceed against both and the relevant insurers, subject to policy terms.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Criminal_aspects_when_does_it_cross_the_line\"><\/span>Criminal aspects: when does it cross the line?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Serious harm or death can trigger criminal investigation. The Penal Code includes <strong>negligent injury<\/strong> and <strong>negligent homicide<\/strong>. Prosecutors may order forensic reviews, obtain hospital CCTV, and request ATK board opinions. A criminal conviction is not required to win civil compensation, but it can influence civil findings. Conversely, an acquittal does not always defeat civil liability because civil courts apply different standards of proof.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Public-sector_recourse_rules_what_changed_recently\"><\/span>Public-sector recourse rules (what changed recently)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In public hospital cases where the state pays compensation, the question becomes whether the state will <strong>seek recourse<\/strong> against the individual professional. Amendments in <strong>2022<\/strong> created a <strong>Professional Responsibility Board<\/strong> to decide if and how the state recovers from public health workers. In <strong>2024<\/strong>, T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s Constitutional Court partly adjusted how that mechanism applies\u2014particularly for <strong>university staff<\/strong>. These changes matter for doctors and hospitals; patients should simply note that compensation from the administration does <em>not<\/em> depend on recourse outcomes.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1988\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1988\" style=\"width: 1050px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1988\" src=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IVF-Treatments-in-Turkey-fertility-istanbul-1.jpg\" alt=\"IVF Treatments in Turkey fertility istanbul\" width=\"1050\" height=\"750\" srcset=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IVF-Treatments-in-Turkey-fertility-istanbul-1.jpg 1050w, https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IVF-Treatments-in-Turkey-fertility-istanbul-1-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IVF-Treatments-in-Turkey-fertility-istanbul-1-1024x731.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IVF-Treatments-in-Turkey-fertility-istanbul-1-768x549.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1050px) 100vw, 1050px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1988\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">IVF Treatments in Istanbul, Turkey<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Istanbul_specifics_you_should_know\"><\/span>Istanbul specifics you should know<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Expertise is centralized.<\/strong> The Council of Forensic Medicine\u2019s headquarters and several boards are in Istanbul. Many cases statewide rely on its opinions. You may see more than one expert report if the court needs a higher or specialized board.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Volume and venues.<\/strong> Istanbul\u2019s Consumer Courts, Commercial Courts, and Administrative Courts handle a high volume of health disputes. Expect scheduling lead-times; mediation can shorten the path if parties are pragmatic.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Language support.<\/strong> The Ministry of Health\u2019s International Patient Assistance Unit supports calls to <strong>112<\/strong> and <strong>184<\/strong> in several languages and logs complaints for follow-up.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step-by-step_if_you_think_you_suffered_malpractice_in_Istanbul\"><\/span>Step-by-step if you think you suffered malpractice in Istanbul<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Write a timeline.<\/strong> Dates, names, what you were told, and what happened next. Keep it simple and factual.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Request your records.<\/strong> Ask the hospital\u2019s Patient Rights Unit for your full file (consent forms, notes, anesthesia records, imaging, lab results, discharge summary). Download your e-Nab\u0131z data if you use the portal.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Get an early medical review.<\/strong> A qualified specialist (not involved in your care) can flag potential breaches and what more you need to collect.<\/li>\n<li><strong>File a complaint, if you wish.<\/strong> For service issues, you can contact <strong>184 SAB\u0130M<\/strong> or submit through <strong>C\u0130MER<\/strong>. This is not a lawsuit, but it creates a record and can prompt inspections.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Consider mediation.<\/strong> For private providers, speak to a lawyer and start the <strong>mandatory mediation<\/strong> step before court. Bring your records and any second opinions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Choose the right court.<\/strong> Private providers \u2192 <strong>Consumer Court<\/strong> (and Commercial Court if suing the insurer). Public hospital \u2192 <strong>Administrative Court<\/strong> after timely administrative application.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mind the deadlines.<\/strong> Do not wait. Different clocks run for tort, contract, administrative, and criminal routes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Expect experts.<\/strong> Courts will likely appoint expert panels (ATK or university). Your lawyer can challenge incomplete or inconsistent reports and request higher-board review.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2049\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2049\" style=\"width: 1050px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2049\" src=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/medical-malpractice-and-liability-laws-istanbul-turkey-3.jpg\" alt=\"medical malpractice and liability laws istanbul turkey\" width=\"1050\" height=\"750\" srcset=\"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/medical-malpractice-and-liability-laws-istanbul-turkey-3.jpg 1050w, https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/medical-malpractice-and-liability-laws-istanbul-turkey-3-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/medical-malpractice-and-liability-laws-istanbul-turkey-3-1024x731.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/medical-malpractice-and-liability-laws-istanbul-turkey-3-768x549.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1050px) 100vw, 1050px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2049\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Medical Malpractise Laws in Turkey<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_makes_or_breaks_a_case\"><\/span>What makes or breaks a case<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Informed consent.<\/strong> Clear, procedure-specific consent forms matter. Many decisions turn on whether risks were explained and documented.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Documentation quality.<\/strong> Courts notice missing or altered records. Keep your copies safe.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Causation clarity.<\/strong> Even if there was a breach, you must show it <em>caused<\/em> the harm. Experts focus on this link.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Realistic damages.<\/strong> Courts award what can be proven with bills, payroll records, and medical proof. Non-pecuniary awards reflect the severity and impact.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_asked_quick_answers\"><\/span>Frequently asked quick answers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_have_to_mediate_before_suing_in_Istanbul\"><\/span><strong>Do I have to mediate before suing in Istanbul?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>For most <strong>civil compensation<\/strong> claims against private providers: yes, since 1 September 2023. For <strong>public hospitals<\/strong>, you first apply to the administration instead of mediating.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_does_a_case_take\"><\/span><strong>How long does a case take?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It varies with court calendars and expert workloads. Mediation may resolve matters faster. If the case proceeds in court, expect multiple expert rounds before judgment.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Will_insurance_actually_pay\"><\/span><strong>Will insurance actually pay?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Physicians carry compulsory malpractice insurance. Payouts follow policy limits and terms. Hospitals may have institutional policies. Limits were <strong>increased in 2025<\/strong>, with an overall cap per policy period and per-event limits by risk group.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_notes\"><\/span>Final notes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This guide is practical information, not legal advice. Every case turns on details: the provider\u2019s status, your documents, causation, and timing. If you suspect malpractice in Istanbul, collect records early, respect the deadlines, and consult a professional experienced in health law and forensic procedure.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References\"><\/span>References<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Law No. 7445 (\u201c7th Judicial Package\u201d) introducing mandatory mediation (effective 1 Sept 2023).<\/li>\n<li>Administrative pre-application and time limits for public hospital claims; filing window after rejection\/silence.<\/li>\n<li>Private provider claims heard in Consumer Courts; insurer disputes in Commercial Courts.<\/li>\n<li>Tort vs. contract limitation periods commonly applied in civil malpractice claims.<\/li>\n<li>Compulsory Financial Liability Insurance\u2014General Conditions (Official Gazette basis and later amendments).<\/li>\n<li>Tariff update raising limits and stating an aggregate cap for malpractice insurance (Official Gazette, 7 Aug 2025).<\/li>\n<li>Sample insurer pages describing scope\/retroactive effect of compulsory malpractice insurance.<\/li>\n<li>Role of the Council of Forensic Medicine (ATK) and expert reports in malpractice cases; Istanbul location\/contact.<\/li>\n<li>Penal Code provisions on negligent injury and negligent homicide (English texts\/compilations).<\/li>\n<li>Informed consent emphasized in high-court reviews and reversals (recent forensic bulletin study).<\/li>\n<li>Patient Rights\u2014official ministry page and complaint channels (Patient Rights Units, SAB\u0130M 184).<\/li>\n<li>International Patient Assistance Unit\u2014interpreting and complaint routing (MoH).<\/li>\n<li>e-Nab\u0131z digital health portal overview for accessing one\u2019s records.<\/li>\n<li>Public-sector malpractice recourse: Professional Responsibility Board under Law No. 3359 (2022) and Constitutional Court developments in 2024.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Plain talk first. Medical care involves risk. Most outcomes are good. Some are not. When harm happens because care fell below accepted standards, it may be medical malpractice. This article explains how malpractice works in T\u00fcrkiye, what is specific to Istanbul, which courts hear these cases, what deadlines apply, how insurance works, and what a &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":2049,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[110],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2042","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-healthcare-system"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2042","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2042"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2042\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2055,"href":"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2042\/revisions\/2055"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2049"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2042"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2042"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/health.istanbul.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2042"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}